Ranger event investigates climate change through the life of bats
Countryside ranger events which focus on the lifestyles of bats may provide clues to recent climate change effects in the Highlands.
Through a programme of bat talks and walks, Highland Council’s Rangers will be inviting the public to learn more about why these animals are useful measures of climate change and find out more about the amazing world of bats.
Katy Martin, Highland Council’s Senior Ranger for Inverness and Nairn said "We want to know if the long wet summer we've been having has affected our wildlife? Bats play a valuable role in reducing local midge and mosquito numbers, but there are so many prejudiced stories about bats like: ‘they're blind’, ‘they suck your blood’ and ‘get stuck in your hair’. These bat walks are a chance for people to find out more about them and experience the excitement of hearing and spotting them.”
This series of bat walks and talks held in Inverness, Beauly and Nairn is part of a programme of events organised by The Highland Council’s Planning and Development Service.
Councillor Drew Hendry, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee said: “Indicators on climate change gathered by our Countryside Rangers could provide important evidence that will help us to be flexible with our services in order to adapt to climate change in Highland, this all further contributes to the administration’s key aim of protecting our environment and pursuing a ‘Clean Environment’.”
Each bat evening involves a short talk about the different types of bats and then an introduction on how to use the bat detector boxes, heading outside to spot and listen to bats. The Rangers will collate information on bat sitings.
The first bat event is on Friday 31st August from 8pm to 10pm at the Ness Islands in Inverness. To book a place telephone: 01463 702933 and the exact meeting place will be advised on booking. The next event will be on Friday 7th September from 8pm to 9.30pm at the Phipps Hall in Beauly with the final event on Friday 14th September from 8pm to 10pm at the Victoria Seaman's Hall, Harbour Road in Nairn.
Participants should dress warmly and wear stout footwear and bring a torch. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The cost of the events are £2 for adults and £1 for children.
Highland Council's Countryside Rangers constitute the largest local authority Countryside Ranger provision in Scotland with 25 full time and 3 seasonal Rangers spread throught the Highland Council Area. The role of the Countryside Rangers is to promote public enjoyment and appreciation of the countryside and to conserve wildlife and habitats.
The Rangers are also responsible for the promotion of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and are involved in the management of a large number of countryside sites throughout the Highland Council Area. All of Highland Council's Countryside Ranger posts are supported with grants from Scottish Natural Heritage.
-ends-